Dr Jo Prendergast "Cancer and Cartwheels"
What happens when a comedian’s life gets flipped over by cancer? They find the funny side of course. But can cancer be funny? When psychiatrist Dr Jo Prendergast was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2021, she asked herself what good she could do with the treatment experience. As someone who cannot be idle - even during chemo - she put together a website on managing chemotherapy side-effects, made a semi-viral TikTok, and wrote her second comedy show. At the four-year anniversary of her diagnosis, Jo is cancer-free and ready to laugh about the tough stuff. She is inviting us to laugh with her. Jo's Cancer and Cartwheels show is touring nationally and supporting Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). Jo has offered BCNA a limited allocation of double passes to each of her comedy festival ‘opening night’ shows in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. If you would like to register to receive a complimentary double pass with a post show meet, greet and photo register here Cancer and Cartwheels - performance schedule and dates (opening night in bold): Adelaide : March 11 - 15, 2025 Melbourne : March 31 - April 6 2025 Sydney : April 26, 2025 Brisbane : May 17 -18 2025 Jo is also aiming to raise $5,000 through her shows to help BCNA continue to provide free support and resources for all Australians affected by breast cancer. This year more than 21,000 Australians will be diagnosed with breast cancer. She is encouraging her show attendees to make a donation and leave a message or dedication on her event fundraising page. Any donation over $2, will be issued with a tax-deductible receipt. If you would like to read more about Jo there are also the following social media handles / links: @cancerandcartheels @drjoprendergastcomedy and https://drjoprendergast.comVolunteer for Pink Bun campaign
Do you, or someone you know, have time between now and the end of May to support Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA)’s biggest fundraiser? We are looking for people to help coordinate Pink Bun Campaign Volunteers with events at Bakers Delight bakeries from May 1st to 21st, 2025. The role involves working with other BCNA volunteers in your community and Bakers Delight bakeries, with support from BCNA staff. People who enjoy talking to others and are comfortable with basic computer skills can apply here to register their interest. Please forward this link onto anyone you know who might be able to help. We are especially looking for support in NSW, the ACT QLD, and WA. Funds raised though the Pink Bun Campaign are vital to BCNA’s ability to support Australians affected by breast cancer. If you don’t have the availability to support BCNA in this role, please keep an eye out for details on how you can support the campaign with a spare hour or two. Check out the behind the scene video from last year's campaign https://www.facebook.com/bakersdelight/videos/bcna-pink-buns-are-back/754110623542494/Together for breast cancer - BCNA
With October being breast cancer awareness month, we wanted to share updates with you throughout! So simply scroll down this post to see updates within the comments! Breast Cancer Awareness Month starts today, and it’s the perfect time to get together with your community to support Australians affected by breast cancer. We love to see the Pink Sports Day clubs kicking off the month the right way with their #PLAY4BCNA activities. Here are a few fantastic photos from our Pink Sports Day hosts so far this year! Host your own Pink Sports Day with your club or school team this month by registering here https://www.bcna.org.au/host-a-fundraising-event/ Together we're helping all Australians affected by breast cancer.Friday Update - 19th April 2024
Welcome to the Friday Update, March has flown by us already and we are half way through April! There has been alot of activity at BCNA including the Murray Bridge SA Information Forum, the World Indigenous Cancer Conference and BCNA's Think Tank . We are off to Tassie this month for two more information forums in Devonport and Launceston (Remember if you cannot attend in person, you can register to attend online). We are also gearing up for Bakers Delight’s Pink Bun campaign in May - Its 20th year! Head into your local Bakers Delight between 9 - 29 May, where 100% of the sales from every Fun Bun sold helps BCNA support all Australians affected by breast cancer (Further details in the update on how you can get involved). Take care and enjoy the update. Community Highlights Private Group 'Living with metastatic breast cancer' On Metastatic Awareness Day 2022 - BCNA released an issues paper, Making Metastatic Breast Cancer Count. In August 2023 we held a National Roundtable in Canberra, bringing together leading cancer and data experts to discuss a way forward. On Metastatic Awareness Day 2023 on 13 October, BCNA was proud to release Making Metastatic Breast Cancer Count - A Way Forward. This advocacy work has brought awareness to BCNA's support resources for metastatic breast cancer and also our very own private group here through the Online Network Living with metastatic breast cancer - which has seen many new members join to seek support and connection Popular Forum Discussions If you have missed some of the most active discussions in the last few weeks, you can check them out via the links below: Struggling through Chemo Information Overload! Boob farewell? tip or tricks on getting through radiation? I’m in a grey area and confused Posts by 'Category Name' 1 Apr - 18 2024 Community News BCNA joins international call to challenge enduring inequities in breast cancer care An international report on global inequities in breast cancer care and to count the number of people with metastatic breast cancer was released by the new Lancet Commission on Breast Cancer this week. BCNA responded with a media release and social post. Read BCNA’s media release here. BCNA partners to seek wider access to precision cancer therapies BCNA partners with other cancer groups to call for expanded access to innovative and effective precision therapies Read Further Details Here Take part in research to improve our online services Can you help us continue to improve our website and online services? We’re working on a digital project to give you better access to information and support that is tailored to your personal preferences and experiences of breast cancer Read Further Details Here My Journey - 'Targeted Therapies' (Articles updated) Our goal at BCNA is to ensure people affected by breast cancer can access the latest information and resources. We recently updated two articles in BCNA’s My Journey online tool about targeted therapies in early breast cancer and hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer to capture the emerging trends in treatments for breast cancer: Targeted therapies for early breast cancer Targeted therapies for hormone receptor-positive MBC BCNA Think Tank 2024 After three incredible days of discussion and connection, we wrapped up our third annual Think Tank event on Wurundjeri Country in Naarm (Melbourne) 24-26 March. BCNA's consumers from across Australia gathered to discuss the direction of BCNA's future to ensure we make the most difference to those affected by breast cancer. Reflecting on this year's theme 'connection and social capital', Consumer Representative Naveena Nekkalapudi said, "It's important Consumer Representatives have a seat at the table when decisions are being made that pertain to us because there is no for us, without us". Thank you to everyone who joined us either in person or virtually to discuss and share their knowledge. Pink Bun Parties are back! Will you help us support over 20,000 Australians who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year by hosting a Pink Bun Party between 9 - 29 May? Get around Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and host a Pink Bun party your way this May, all to support BCNA! All Pink Bun party hosts receive a FREE party pack, to help you pink up your party. This includes pink lady cut outs, posters, BCNA balloons, helpful information and a link to your own unique fundraising page. After registering your party, simply call or visit your local Bakers Delight bakery and place your Pink Fun Bun order, where 100 % of Fun Bun sales during the Pink Bun campaign go directly to BCNA! Hosting a Pink Bun Party is a great opportunity to come together with friends, family and colleagues to support all Australians affected by breast cancer. So get around BCNA this May and register your Pink Bun Party today. Register now via the link Pink Bun Parties Counterpart - Peer Support Volunteer Counterpart have recently had a group of new volunteers begin their training. These amazing women have all had a cancer diagnosis of their own. Soon they will be joining Counterpart's lovely team of Peer Support Volunteers who patients can talk to over the phone, in their Resource Centre, or at one of the hospitals they visit through their Bridge of Support program. Find out more about peer support and how your patients may benefit from speaking to a Peer Support Volunteer on our website. BCNA Forums/Webcasts Recording Now Available! - Murray Bridge (SA) Information Forum Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) held an information Forum in March 2024 for people diagnosed and living with breast cancer and their supporters in Murray Bridge, South Australia. The Information Forum covered topics including: Current and emerging treatments Managing emotional impacts Lymphoedema Watch all the videos here Tasmania Information Forum BCNA is coming to Tasmania as part of our free national Information Forum series. We are bringing leading experts to events in Devonport on Tuesday 30 April and Hobart on Thursday 2 May to talk on a range of breast cancer topics. Our events are for anyone who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer or who is living with or after a breast cancer diagnosis, as well as supporters. REGISTER FOR DEVONPORT HERE REGISTER FOR HOBART HERE If you can’t attend in person, you can join us online. When registering, select ‘Information Forum – Attending Virtually’. The virtual session will be delivered via Zoom, and you will receive the access link one day before the event. If you require any assistance, please contact events@bcna.org.au We look forward to seeing you in person or online! Books/Movies/TV Series/Documentaries VCCC Alliance held a webinar 'Women in Cancer' in conjunction with International Women's Day. A panel of inspiring women in cancer research and leadership share their stories on how they entered the field, as well as the motivations or experiences that have shaped their journey: Women in Cancer - Inspiring Inclusion | VCCC Alliance Centre for Cancer Education (vcccalliancelearn.org.au) The Mod Team - @Pat_BCNA @Mez_BCNA @Daina-BCNA @Kate_BCNA @Denise_BCNA @Risha_BCNA @Georgie_BCNA If you wish to speak with the Helpline team regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 Mon-Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm (AEDT), alternatively you can email helpline@bcna.org.au "Strength doesn't come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't" - Rikki RogersFriday Update 19th May 2023
Friday greetings, Well, if you have visited your local Baker’s Delight recently you will see that they have all turned pink (across Australia) in support of all Australians affected by breast cancer (For those of you not on social media I will share some of the photos of stores getting involved). You will hear from franchisee’s who have personally been affected by breast cancer; here is Holly’s story via link below: https://youtu.be/9ohUHw98A8o Community Highlights Popular Forum Discussions If you have missed some of the most active discussions in the past few weeks, you can check them out via the links below: 10 Years Today Shoulder bursitis n tendons inflamation Recent Diagnosis Another Lump? Diagnosed today Posts by 'Category Name' 5 May - 19 May 2023 Community News BCNA News 15 May 2023- BCNA Welcomes Investment in Health Workforce to Support those with Breast Cancer BCNA – Australia’s leading breast cancer consumer organisation – welcomes the Federal Government’s investment into improving access to multidisciplinary allied and supportive care, announced in this week’s Federal Budget CLICK HERE to read more International Nurses Day 12 May 2023 Last week it was lovely to speak with nurses calling into the Helpline and thanking them not just for one day, but every day that they support people and families impacted by breast cancer. Donna Wellington is a breast care nurse in Rockhampton who has been there for countless people in rural and regional Australia. ‘As a breast care nurse, I’m a big advocate for equal access to breast cancer services for people in rural and regional areas’, says Donna. Nurses play an important part in delivering the best possible care and that's why BCNA is calling for greater investment in the specialist cancer nursing workforce, including breast care nurses, metastatic breast care nurses and cancer nurse practitioners. Royal Australasian College of Surgeons' (RACS) 91st Annual Scientific Conference A keynote speech on equity and access to breast reconstruction in Australia was presented by BCNA’s director of Policy & Advocacy Vicki Durston. Speaking at the conference in Adelaide, Ms. Durston told delegates that information about breast reconstruction should be provided early to help people make informed decisions about breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. BCNA’s Breast Reconstruction in Australia 2021 report included lack of communication as a key finding impacting equity of access. This included communication about realistic results, waiting times, out-of-pocket costs and full consideration of all options available for reconstruction, including the option to ‘go flat'. BCNA thanks RACS for allowing BCNA to speak on this topic and celebrates that equity and access are priority topics for the college. BCNA is always proud to ensure its consumer voice is represented at conferences that aim to improve outcomes for those affected by breast cancer Read BCNA’s report here: https://www.bcna.org.au/.../breast-reconstruction-in.../ Pink Bun is live! As shared in the last Friday update, between 11 May and 31 May 2023, 100 per cent of the money from sales of all Fun Buns sold in Bakers Delight bakeries around the country (not just pink ones) will be donated to BCNA. You can read more on how to get involved in my previous update https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/25536/friday-update-5th-of-may-2023#latest Here are several snaps taken throughout various stores: Webcasts / Forums Warrnambool Information Forum: Recording now available! BCNA hosted an Information Forum in Warrnambool for people living with breast cancer and their supporters. You can access the on-demand videos below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q_A_XEXfqw&list=PLpvVCfUeAqMBu1pz4rP8kXZtxfriszl2e Books/Movies/TV Series/Documentaries The following book Memory-wise explains how memory works and the changes that can occur as we age. It explains the sort of health, attitude and lifestyle factors that can lead to fluctuation in memory and provides practical tips to minimise their effects. Memory-wise - Dr Anne Unkenstein You may also like to check out our My Journey article Cognitive impairment: memory loss and concentration problems due to breast cancer treatment and webcast Ask the Expert: Managing cognitive changes related to breast cancer treatments with Jo Lewis That is all for this week's update and if you have any feedback please feel free to comment below or send a private message. @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @Mez_BCNA If you wish to speak with the Helpline team regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 Mon-Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm (AEST), alternatively you can email helpline@bcna.org.au The mod team - Mez, Carissa, Jenny and Pat "Looking at beauty in the world, is the first step of purifying the mind" - Amit RayFriday Update - 25th February 2022
Friday Update 25th February 2022 Hello members Welcome to another Friday update as we round out the month of February. Included in this week’s update is a re-cap on the Carman’s Fun Run event and link to ‘Ask the Expert: Triple Negative Breast Cancer’ digital event that was held on 17th February (On-demand recording available). There are also updates to share on My Journey regarding COVID-19 resources. The Beacon is out on the 1st of March, so watch your inbox! (What is The Beacon? Check out previous issues here ). Community highlights Popular forum discussions Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have been most active the past fortnight: 1. Elective preventative mastectomy advice? 2. I thought I'd gotten over the hand/wrist pain! 3. How to answer! Am I in remission? 4. Radiation On Lesion P.S If any of you are animal lovers, check out the discussion thread What pets do you have? There have been alot of gorgeous pictures shared lately Community News My Journey – COVID-19 There is now a ‘What’s new?’ section at the top of the My Journey COVID-19 Information article. It will provide a summary of new information relating to COVID-19 with links to more detailed information. This will save members having to read through the whole article to look for anything new. You can check it out by clicking the link https://myjourney.org.au/article/3154 The content team have also added a link to a new article by Cancer Australia on what to do if you test positive to COVID while having cancer treatment - https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/covid-19/covid-19-information-people-affected-cancer/managing-your-cancer-care-context-covid-19 The article was developed with significant input from BCNA Consumer Representative Dr Susannah Morris. DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in situ) Resources My colleague’s and I have had quite a few chats on the helpline this week with women diagnosed with DCIS and who were not sure what this means for them. I thought it was a timely reminder to share some of the DCIS resources available: · BCNA Booklet ‘Ductal Carcinoma in situ’ (call us 1800 500 258 to order) · What is Ductal Carcinoma in situ? (BCNA website link) · John Boyage’s book DCIS of the breast: Taking control (available from bookshops) · BCNA Podcast 'Upfront about breast cancer': EP 24 DCIS · BCNA Webcast: The Role of Radiotherapy in the Treatment of DCIS and Early Breast Cancer · Communication aid: Understanding ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and deciding about treatment (Cancer Australia). Carman’s Fun Run - Recap A massive THANK YOU to all the wonderful participants, attendees, volunteers, donors, and event staff who made this year’s Carman’s Fun Run an incredible day! It was so special to all come together in real life after two years as a community, with an outpour of support and love for those affected by breast cancer. BCNA managed to raise a phenomenal amount of just under $125,000! The Gaudry Foundation very generously dollar matched the first $10,000 raised. BCNA would love to thank our partners Sole Motive and Carman's Kitchen for making this event so wonderful. Cancer Council - Digital mammograms a step closer to reality to help catch breast cancer Researchers are now a step closer in developing automated life-saving breast cancer risk-prediction tests. These tests could revolutionise how mammography is used to detect the disease earlier. For more info CLICK HERE Counterpart – Whats On? For those of you who haven’t heard of Counterpart. They connect, support and inform people living with breast or a gynaecological cancer to live well. They have a variety of sessions in March including; ‘Why and how to exercise’, ‘Lobular cancer’, ‘Self-care for lymphoedema’, ‘Chair Yoga’. CLICK HERE to check out the events page. Webcasts (Did you miss last week’s event?) Ask the Expert: Triple Negative Early Breast Cancer with Dr Nick Zdenkowski Thank you to everyone to tuned into our first Ask the Expert digital event with @DrNickZdenkowski, on triple negative early breast cancer. ⠀We hope you found it valuable and informative.⠀⠀ If you missed the event, the video is now available to be viewed on-demand. To view now and see all our previous digital events, click the link: https://buff.ly/3I5LgJZ Books / Movies/ TV Series/ Documentaries The Patient Chef - Chris O'Brien Lifehouse A collection of recipes and tips donated by cancer patients and carers from the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse. Every aspect of producing the book was donated including recipes, graphic design, editing, photography and printing by Random House. And every cent from the sale of the book goes towards supporting cancer patients at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. Take care until next time and in the meantime, if you have feedback or any concerns while online, please contact one of the moderators - @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Anna_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @Mez_BCNA If you need to speak with someone regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 alternatively, you can email contact@bcna.org.au Take care, The mod team – Mez, Carissa, Jenny, Anna & Pat “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.” – Jane Marczewski aka NightbirdeFriday Update 19th November 2021
Friday update 19th November 2021 Hello members, I Hope this update finds you well. Summer season is apparently arriving in a few weeks, although recent snow on the mountain tops in my local area tells a conflicting story. The Christmas season is also coming upon us as decorations and merchandise surround us; I will share with you more about some of BCNA’s gift ideas, however I also think it is a timely reminder that for some people Christmas can be difficult and you may like to checkout Cancer Council’s (Vic) Special Occasions and Celebrations resource for practical support and information. Community highlights New groups Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Breast Cancer- This is a private group which has been established to connect members who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and who are also impacted by breast cancer. We look forward to watching the group grow and connections develop. Head to https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/groups/ to look at all groups available. Popular forum discussions Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have received the most comments: 1. Letting go of being superwoman! 2. Friday Funnies. 3. Tips for after surgery care 4. COVID booster shots (Honourable mention) Have you checked out Christmas Funnies ....... put them up here for a laugh! ? I noticed they have started rolling in for 2021 and provide a bit of a giggle credit @iserbrown Community News CARMAN’S FUN RUN 2022! Melbourne’s picturesque Elsternwick Park will turn pink Sunday 20 February 2022 when BCNA host the Carman’s Fun Run and see thousands of participants walk, run and raise funds to support Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). If you can’t get to Melbourne, there is a virtual event option, so you can participate from anywhere. Join our inclusive and supportive community who will help inspire you and your friends along your journey to a half-marathon, 10K or 5K. We can’t wait! This Christmas you can gift your friends and family entry to the Carman's Fun Run 2022. Read more and Register here during November to receive the early bird rate! Give the gift of getting together this Christmas. And why not register yourself while you're at it! We know that physical activity/exercise for those diagnosed with breast cancer is important, as well as the benefits of mental and emotional wellbeing from the chance to get together and get active with friends and family. Check out the My Journey article which talks more to this subject https://myjourney.org.au/article/2350 Countdown to Christmas – BCNA 2021 Christmas Catalogue You can shop the Breast Cancer Network Australia Christmas catalogue this festive season and make your gift give twice. From beautifully handcrafted Christmas baubles to decorate your tree, through to Christmas cards and a vast array of affordable gifts and stocking stuffers. All products are available to order online from BCNA and our supporting partners. We recommend you order by December 10, 2021 to ensure a pre-Xmas arrival. *All orders via the BCNA online store will receive a free gift tag and A3 sheet of Christmas wrap. (while stocks last) To view and shop the catalogue visit : https://online.flippingbook.com/view/651868575/ BCNA NEWS 14 Nov 2021 - Third COVID Vaccination for people with breast cancer Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and the Federal Government are urging women and men with breast cancer to discuss the third COVID vaccine dose with their GP or breast cancer specialist CLICK HERE to read full details (TV coverage on Seven News Instant-play on Streem) BCNA Policy & Advocacy COVID-19 Survey Report BCNA has been continuously in touch with both federal and state/territory governments throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to understand the impact on our health systems and to ensure people with breast cancer continue to receive optimal care. Social media members were invited to share if they had experienced impacts to their breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, or treatment via a survey. 30 responses with 24 individual stories were shared. Thematic analysis looked at the common themes and trends within the stories that were shared, here are six of those themes: - Lack of support / loneliness (eg. Unable to have a support person at appointments, causing feelings of vulnerability and fear) - COVID-19 anxiety (eg. Delaying appointments with doctor due to fears of the added risk of contracting COVID-19) - Delays (eg. Unable to have immediate breast reconstruction surgery and added to waitlist for elective surgery) - Mental health (eg. Extreme stress due to travelling for treatment across borders and experiencing long delays due to restrictions) - Tele-health (eg. Receiving news of test results from medical team via quick phone discussion, causing feelings of distress and depression) - Positive stories (eg. Feeling very well informed, understood and supported by medical team from the date of diagnosis) BCNA appreciates contributors to the survey, as these shared experiences can be a powerful way to contributing to and helping inform decisions that will lead to better outcomes. BCNA Member Support Team & Online Network Moderators - Introductions This week I am pleased to introduce you to Carissa from our Member Support Team: I started with BCNA in 2016 as part of the Member Support Team. This role sees me getting to speak to a variety of people on our Helpline, responding to emails, moderating the Online Network and overseeing the operations of our My Care Kit program. My most memorable moment at BCNA would be attending the 2018 Field of Women. I was lucky enough to stand on the ‘G’ with both family and friends and thousands of others. I was also part of the team on the day working outside the ground with an amazing team of volunteers. In my spare time I enjoy listening to a podcast while walking and during lockdown have got back into mindful colouring. Books / Movies/ TV Series/ Documentaries I finally finished ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ by Trent Dalton. I say finally because it took a while to grab my attention and that could be due to the hype surrounding the book. It was a story you wanted to finish just to see what the ending was. I would love to hear if any of you have read it? Enjoy your weekend and in the meantime, if you have any concerns while online, please contact one of the moderators - @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Anna_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @MichelleP_BCNA @Mez_BCNA If you need to speak with someone regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 alternatively, you can email contact@bcna.org.au Take care, The mod team – Mez, Carissa, Jenny, Anna, Pat & Michelle “Every day of your life has been leading up to tomorrow. But of course every day of your life led up to today.” ― Trent Dalton, Boy Swallows UniverseFriday update 5 November 2021
Friday update 5 November 2021 Hello members, Well, can you believe we are in November already? Spring weather has been in full swing in Victoria with such variety of days; how is your part of the world? Thankyou again to all members who shared their stories, resources and support during October breast cancer awareness month. Also, a reminder to our newer members as to some of the resources and services BCNA provides: · My Journey an online resource (and downloadable app) that provides high quality, evidence-based information and insights from others diagnosed with breast cancer as well as a symptom tracker. · My Care Kit is for women who have recently had breast surgery. It contains a specially designed Berlei bra and soft form/s, provided through a partnership between BCNA and Berlei. · BCNA's Helpline is a free and confidential telephone service for those affected by breast cancer and their friends and family. Available -Monday - Friday 9am-5pm AEST 1800 500 258 Community highlights October Online Network activity * 51 New users * 101 Contributors * 100 Discussions * 798 Comments The Online Network 'Page views' peaked to nearly 3,000 on the 14th of Oct, which coincides with the Thriving Together, Living Longer, Living Stronger web conference (If you haven't watched it yet CLICK HERE ) Popular forum discussions Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have received the most comments: 1. oestrogen and DCIS 2. Night Howlers - Jump on to chat if you are awake 3. Letting go of being superwoman! 4. COVID booster shots Creative Corner Have you checked out the latest creations in this member discussion? Hope you don’t mind me sharing your wonderful work @StrongCoffee :) - head to the discussion link https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14979/creative-corner#latest Community News Summer is a great time to PLAY4BCNA! Summer sports season is nearly here and whether you like golf, lawn bowls, softball or sailing, we invite you and your club can get involved and host a PLAY4BCNA Pink Sports Day. In spite of some interruptions to community sport due to COVID-19, BCNA is thrilled to announce that 2021 summer registrations to host a Pink Sports Day are now open. CLICK HERE to Find out how you can get involved. BCNA NEWS 26 Oct 2021 - Subsidy for Verzenio (abemaciclib) expanded on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) welcomes the expansion of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listing of Verzenio (abemaciclib) to include its use in combination with Faslodex (fulvestrant). CLICK HERE to read full details Facing breast cancer with a disability Coping with breast cancer can be difficult. If you are also living with a disability, you may face additional challenges. Remember BCNA has resources to assist people with a disability; CLICK HERE to explore. BRECONDA web tool for breast reconstruction (reminder!) Have you heard of BRECONDA? While it has been existence for some time, there may be those of you who are not aware of this great decision aid. Funded by Cancer Australia and National Breast Cancer Foundation, BRECONDA is available for women deciding whether a breast construction is right for them after mastectomy. CLICK HERE to explore this free tool Upfront About Breast Cancer Podcast – Accessing Support in regional and rural locations Let’s be upfront about the challenges you may face in accessing specialised breast cancer treatment and care when living in rural, remote and regional areas in Australia. In the episode, we’re joined by Sandy Vlatko and Asha Scott. Sandy is a McGrath Breast Care Nurse who is based at Kalgoorlie Health Campus, located nearly 600 km northeast of Perth. Asha was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 and had to travel to Perth for a large part of her treatment. We’ll hear about how Sandy helped support and navigate Asha’s complex medical situation in a regional setting and how she helped organise her treatments away from home, manage access to breast cancer services and other practical support available including allied health. Listen via this link or wherever you get your podcasts: https://buff.ly/3jJJ8x6 BCNA Member Support Team & Online Network Moderators - Introductions This week I am pleased to introduce you to Anna Wilson from our Member Support Team: This week I am pleased to introduce you to Meredith from our Member Support Team: Meredith is a trained nurse and came to BCNA having worked for 8 years at Odyssey House (Drug & Alcohol rehab). She has worked in the health sector most of her career, mainly in hospital settings both in Australia and overseas. Meredith has worked the longest on the BCNA Helpline, with 14 years under her belt! She derives enormous satisfaction working on the Helpline, assisting, and guiding all people who contact BCNA for support. Her additional role at BCNA involves onboarding, engaging, and liaising with Health Professionals. Meredith has also been diagnosed with breast cancer, giving her personal insight into the challenges one might face in their cancer journey. She is married and has a daughter. One of her of favourite pastimes is travelling and walking/trekking. Books / Movies/ TV Series/ Documentaries This is one that I listened to on Audible last year and has to be the best book for me in 2020. The reason why I share it today is that author Eddie Jaku has recently passed away at the age of 101. He was a brilliant human and I hope you get a chance to read his story ‘The Happiest Man on Earth’ Eddie also did a TEDTalk in Sydney 2019: https://www.ted.com/talks/eddie_jaku_a_holocaust_survivor_s_blueprint_for_happiness?language=en Have a wonderful weekend and I hope you enjoy the update. In the meantime, if you have any concerns while online, please contact one of the moderators - @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Anna_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @MichelleP_BCNA @Mez_BCNA If you need to speak with someone regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 alternatively, you can email contact@bcna.org.au Take care, The mod team – Mez, Carissa, Jenny, Anna, Pat & Michelle “It is never too late to be kind, polite, and a loving human being.” - Eddie JakuFriday update 22 October 2021
Friday update 22 October 2021 Hello members, It is a nice welcome today for Victorians as the lockdown restrictions lift today - Enjoy your greater freedoms! BCNA continue their October breast cancer awareness campaign, highlighting issues that impact those diagnosed and advocate to drive change. Thankyou to all of our members who have shared their stories, resources and support. Community highlights Reminder Private Groups Given that in October we have had ‘Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day’ and ‘Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Day’, I wanted to remind members of the Online Network’s private groups if you are seeking greater peer-to-peer support: Living with metastatic breast cancer men living with breast cancer Popular forum discussions Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have received the most comments: 1. Friday Funnies These funny posts are welcome any day really – bringing something light hearted to the forum credit @ChezaH 2. COVID booster shots 3. Night Howlers - Jump on to chat if you are awake 4. Has anyone taken 'Before' and 'After' pics? Community News BCNA NEWS 13 Oct 2021 - When an Employee Needs Leave for Cancer Treatment ‘Don’t come back’ were the words Liz Tapping heard when she asked if she could take leave from her job to receive treatment for breast cancer. Her employer of 5 years sacked her on the spot. A recent ruling in the Federal Circuit Court found this action contravened the Fair Work Act. CLICK HERE to read full details of Liz’s story and also access BCNA resources to educate and support employees. Cancer Australia - The Impact of COVID-19 on cancer-related medical services and procedures in Australia in 2020 Cancer Australia today released a new report, The impact of COVID-19 on cancer-related medical services and procedures in Australia in 2020: Examination of MBS claims data for 2020, nationally and by jurisdiction, which shows an overall sustained reduction in cancer services in 2020. BCNA has also been working with Cancer Australia, providing consumer insight and feedback into the development of communications about the COVID-19 vaccine roll out and the impact on those with a diagnosis of breast cancer. You can find frequently asked questions in BCNA’s My Journey and on the Cancer Australia website. If you have any information that you’d like to share about how COVID-19 has been impacting your patients, please email the Policy Team on policy@bcna.org.au. “Don’t Delay and just hope it’ll go away.” – Male Breast Cancer Awareness Perth Channel 7 news featured Pieter and highlighted Male Breast Cancer Awareness Day in a fantastic segment. Pieter's full story is available to watch on our IGTV on Instagram. Head over to https://www.instagram.com/bcnapinklady/ to view his story and more. “There is also a lot of misunderstanding about metastatic breast cancer and what this means in terms of your treatment and survival.” – Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Mother-of-three Andrea Smith knows she will lose her life to an incurable form of breast cancer. But she is determined to help other sufferers while she can. Read Andrea’s story CLICK HERE The Pink Bra Project Continues This breast cancer awareness month show your support for those affected by breast cancer and the people around them. $10 from every Pink Bra sale from Berlei's Pink Bra collection will go to BCNA. Hear BCNA member’s stories and ambassadors Stuart Diver, Aunty Pam, Raeleen Boyle and Sophie Conway https://www.berlei.com.au/pink-bra-project Webcasts and conferences you may have missed Breast Reconstruction Options and Expectations The virtual conference recording is now available to view on demand. Frequently asked/mentioned topics of the three-hour event were: · Access to resources · Should you have radiation before or after an implant · The impact of COVID-19 on wait times · Breast implant illness · Breast cancer recurrence after a reconstruction · Discussions around the option of not having a reconstruction Metastatic Breast Cancer -Thriving together- Living Longer, Living Stronger The virtual conference recording is now available to view on demand. Frequently asked/mentioned topics of the three-hour event were: · How to manage resistance treatment with hormone blocking therapies · Immunotherapies and triple negative breast cancer · How to reduce the risk of fractures from bone metastasises · New drugs that enhance the action of chemotherapy in the cell · Uncertainty and fear of what might happen in the future · Support groups are a really important way to connect with others and reduce feelings isolation Upfront About Breast Cancer Podcast Have you checked out our new 10-part podcast series, Upfront About Breast Cancer - What You Don’t Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman? Each episode explores Charlotte’s lived experience, provides explanations of psychological triggers and responses and practical strategies that may help you or someone you know on their breast cancer journey. All episodes are available to stream now across all podcast platforms. To listen visit https://bit.ly/3oD0S0C BCNA Member Support Team & Online Network Moderators - Introductions This week I am pleased to introduce you to Anna Wilson from our Member Support Team: Anna joined BCNA In 2012, after a friend told her there was a position available on the helpline. Originally a primary teacher and with three young kids, she decided to take a leap and move into this space. While Anna knew little about BCNA’s role, from the moment she started her role she loved it! Anna felt like she could really make a difference being part of the organisation and found many ways to contribute both on the helpline and then in the fundraising and the sponsorship team. Anna loves to hear the stories of the people who call the helpline and see how BCNA can really make a difference. She loves her colleagues at BCNA and enjoys collaborating with them each day “They are all so professional, knowledgeable and they care deeply for all those women, men and their families who are experiencing breast cancer”. Outside of work, Anna loves gardening and especially loves spring. Her two helpers Maggie and Billy are never far away! Books / Movies/ TV Series/ Documentaries Have you seen the My Journey article about ‘The Library’? https://myjourney.org.au/article/3497 The Library provides names of some books you might find helpful or interesting to read. Books in the 'about breast cancer and DCIS' and 'live well' sections have been reviewed by BCNA staff and are recommended as reliable information. Personal stories have not always been reviewed by BCNA, but may have been recommended to us by others diagnosed with breast cancer or sent to us by the author (often a BCNA member). If there is a book you would like to suggest for this list, please email us at contact@bcna.org.au or post here in the discussion and I will pass on. Hope you enjoy this update and I always welcome feedback. In the meantime, if you have any concerns while online, please contact one of the moderators - @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Anna_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @MichelleP_BCNA @Mez_BCNA If you need to speak with someone regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 alternatively, you can email contact@bcna.org.au (We will be back on deck Monday). Take care, The mod team – Mez, Carissa, Jenny, Anna, Pat & Michelle "Awareness is all about restoring your freedom to choose what you want instead of what your past imposes on you" - Deepak Chopra
